SOUTH BEND -- Gone are the satellite TV trucks that lined up on the University of Notre Dame campus during the recent search for a new head football coach, as are the crowds that gathered last spring to protest the commencement visit of President Barack Obama. The campus is quiet now, with students on winter break and employees scattered for the holidays. It's been a tumultuous year for the university, with much attention focused on the Rev. John I. Jenkins, Notre Dame's president. The Obama visit and the public protests that accompanied it were the most challenging part of his year, Jenkins said in an interview a few days before Christmas. He was preparing to spend the holiday in his hometown of Omaha, Neb., visiting his mother and other relatives. "I don't think anybody anticipated it taking on the high-profile stature that it did," he said of the Obama visit. When Jenkins invited the president to be the commencement speaker and receive an honorary degree, he knew it would be controversial in some circles, because Obama's support for legalized abortion and embryonic stem-cell research conflicts with Catholic Church teachings. The intensity of the reaction from Catholic bishops and many others -- some calling for Jenkins to be fired -- surprised him. Jenkins, 56, is 4 1/2 years into his first term as Notre Dame's president. The board of trustees recently elected him to a second five-year term. If he had it to do over again, would he still invite Obama? "Yes, I would. He is the president of the United States, and there was a tradition of Notre Dame inviting presidents to be commencement speakers and receive honorary degrees, and we continue that tradition," Jenkins said. Obama's election as the first African-American president was an important historical moment for the nation, Jenkins said. "It was an honor for us to welcome him to campus." Although the controversy probably could have been handled better, Jenkins said, he firmly believes Notre Dame shouldn't shy away from issues related to Catholic identity that were raised as a result of the Obama visit. "It's important not to be afraid of controversies. If the issues are addressed with reason and respect, that's the best you can do. And universities, particularly, should be places where controversy can be addressed with reason and mutual respect," Jenkins said. That's what occurred on commencement day, he said. Not shying away from controversial or sensitive topics has become a hallmark of Jenkins' leadership style. In inviting Obama, Jenkins said he was well aware that they differed on important issues. "At the same time, there were things in his life and his leadership that we could affirm. That day was a day when we could speak about those differences openly," he said. In his commencement speech, Obama addressed the controversial issues very directly, Jenkins noted. "I thought he said things that he'd never said before on the issue of abortion -- such as seeking a reasonable conscience clause, such as reducing the number of abortions -- and I think it was a day when there was genuine dialogue among people who differed. And that's really what a university is about," the priest said. "My most important memory was just having that occur. In that respect, for all the controversy, I think it was a successful day," Jenkins said. To cope and keep a level head during the weeks of protests, Jenkins turned to his closest advisers: his administrative leadership team and board of trustees chairman Richard C. Notebaert. He also sought counsel from Notre Dame's two most recent presidents, the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh and the Rev. Edward A. Malloy, who each "offered some good input and a lot of support," Jenkins said. Jenkins and the Most Rev. John M. D'Arcy, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, publicly disagreed over the Obama invitation. D'Arcy issued a public statement in March citing Obama's "long-standing unwillingness to hold human life as sacred" and boycotted the commencement ceremony. Jenkins has met with D'Arcy several times since May, and they have discussed the matter. "We do differ on that issue. I think his view remains as it was. My view remains as it was," Jenkins said. Jenkins said it is possible to be faithful and loyal, yet to disagree. "I don't think that disagreement or controversy is necessarily an unhealthy sign. I hope our disagreement is respectful and constructive, and our agreements are much deeper and more important," he said. He's met the incoming bishop, the Most Rev. Kevin C. Rhoades, who will become the new leader of the diocese in January, when D'Arcy retires. Rhoades "strikes me as a very intelligent, very thoughtful, very pastoral person. I think the diocese is fortunate to have him as our bishop," Jenkins said. He and Rhoades have not specifically discussed the Obama visit, he said. When differences are expressed in respectful and constructive ways, that can be a sign of loyalty in both individual and institutional relationships, according to Jenkins. "I'm sure there'll be differences of opinion and differences of perspective, but far more fundamentally there is a sense of a common purpose and a common mission in the church. I expect that to continue with the new bishop," he said. Jenkins also discussed other major news from this year, including the firing of head football coach Charlie Weis and the search that led to the hiring of new coach Brian Kelly. About the Weis firing: "Our win-loss record has not been what many people or I had hoped for. At the same time, Coach Weis had a graduation rate that was the best of any (major) football program in the country," Jenkins said. He said the three major things he emphasizes to the athletics department are: integrity, education/well-being of student-athletes, and success on the field. About the search for a new coach and Jenkins' confidence in athletic director Jack Swarbrick: The search was led by Swarbrick, who kept Jenkins informed every step of the way. "Jack understands our aspirations and ideals at ND. He's a very able leader, and he conducted this search superbly. I had confidence in him, and my confidence has been confirmed by the way he conducted this search," the priest said. Jenkins interviewed Kelly in person before the job offer was made. He declined to say where the interview took place or to offer a prediction about next season's win-loss record. Notre Dame has not had a wage, hiring or construction freeze during this long recession. With this year's opening of the Eddy Street Commons development and completion of the building that will house Innovation Park, a research park, the community seems to be increasingly looking to the university as an economic catalyst. Jenkins reflects on those matters: "All those things were partnerships with the community that have borne great fruit," he said. "I think Notre Dame on its own cannot answer all the problems. But I think in partnership with the local community, working together, there is real promise." About whether he enjoys being Notre Dame's president: On most days. "My greatest job is being around students," he said. "There are tough days. I won't deny that. There are some days when I wish I were still a philosophy professor." His priorities for 2010: Striving toward Notre Dame's three major goals of strong undergraduate education, preeminence in research and being faithful to the university's Catholic mission. About the future well-being of the community: "I believe we're on the cusp of forward progress. It's not going to happen tomorrow. But if we're committed to it, if the community leaders and ND and all other institutions work together, we can create a wonderful future for this community -- economically and otherwise. I firmly believe that."Staff writer Margaret Fosmoe: mfosmoe@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6329